- PetIdForMe.com
As all my readers may know I am a huge advocate for pet identification. This includes ID tags microchip in and registering your pet. But what about a new concept of a ID tag are you as the owner? The concept was brought to my attention by www.petIDforme.com. So when the people@petIDforme.com offered to send me a sample I couldn't resist. I followed their very simple instructions, uploaded a picture of my puppy Charlie and my location identification and sent it off via their website.
In two days I received the most adorable miniature replication of a New York state driver's license, but with a picture of my puppy Charlie. Also in the package were to refrigerator magnets approximately the size of a business card. My friends just love these drivers licenses were a hoot.
What sets these tags apart from others is that they are a soft laminate, so there's no abraision against your dog's skin and they surely capture the attention of whoever sees attack. I used my tags as a zipper pull for my new parka. They are cute and stylish.
I strongly suggest that you check out the www.petIDforme.com website. The cost for a magnet and tag set completely customized with your pet's picture is only $20.
If you have a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an e-mail to SecretShopperBlog@Gmail.com.
Would your dog behave better if there was less STUFF?
A lot of dogs behave better when they have STUFF taken away. It sounds silly when you put it this way, but sometimes the hardcore, science-heavy behavior lingo makes me feel nerdy.
The Facts: Removing sensory stimuli can create better behavior in dogs. In training a desensitized version of a situation is a critical step in conditioning and/or reconditioning perceptions and responses. Exposing a dog to gradual increments of the full picture allows the trainer to counter-condition the stimulus and change behavior.
The Question: How do you make certain stimuli (situations, pictures, events) less of what they are? Distance is a wonderful variable to manipulate, as it is movement and duration of exposure. These are the typical categories that are manipulated to create tolerable situations for the dog being trained.
The Complications: Some experiences and some individuals just can't cope with "stuff" no matter how far away it is or how slowly it moves. In fact whole new problems can be created for dogs who behave badly when things are far away or move oddly (too slow, too fast, to wobbly) etc..
The Solution: For these dogs, a hood placed over the head is often remarkably helpful. I liken the use of a Calming Cap on dogs to blinders on horses. It doesn't entirely blind the animal, but it takes some of the overwhelming stimulous out of the picture.
Personal Testimony & Practical Uses: I have used these caps on dogs who ride badly in cars. Not dogs who get sick, or are fearful of car rides, but dogs that just can't seem to hold it together during the ride. Border Collies, Kelpies and other herding dogs are at the top of the list for this.
I also have used it for dogs who have never been on leash before, or were severely under-socialized and seem utterly overwhelmed when trying to soak in everything on walks. Dogs really do use their nose like we use our eyes, so even with reduced eye-sight, they are getting tons of information about where they are and what is going on around them.
Final Thought... It does look a little funny. I recommend decorating the fabric :)
Your furriest family members don’t know it yet, but they have other plans for the holiday weekend. But don’t feel too bad for them. While you skip out of town, your dogs and cats will live it up. Thanks to a broad selection of pet care options, your little darlings have their pick of quality care. Perhaps they’d enjoy the comforts of home with a private staff on call. Or maybe, a cushy pet spa with in-room massage and treat service is more their style. The Pet Care Services Association makes it easy to find the perfect pet care in your area. To get started, check out their handy “How to Select a Pet Care Facility” guide for all the facts you need. >http://petcareservices.org/files/comm_id_46/How_To_Select_a_Pet_Facility.pdf
Here are some just of the highlights:
Ask Around the Dog Park. Tap pet people for their trusted pet care resources. Your dog’s park pals may have a great pet-sitter, or kennel your dog will love. Get a few contact numbers and start calling around to pet care providers that come well-referred.
Pop in. If you’re considering a pet care kennel or boarding facility, plan to stop by to meet the staff and tour the grounds. Splashy websites and brochures can be deceiving. First, check to see that the facility is licensed by the state. Then take a look around to see that it’s clean, comfortable and well-secured. By actually visiting you’ll get a feel for the place – everything from temperature, to supervision, to layout can make a difference in your decision.
Get the Details. What are the reservation and cancellation policies? How does the staff handle emergencies? Do they require vaccination records for all the pets? Take the time to ask questions about the facility’s policies and specifics concerning your pets’ stay. For example, you may want to know if your dog will get one-on-one playtime, or private time away from the other animals.
Pack Your Pets. Aside from your pets’ favorite blanket and toys, pack along their vaccination records, their veterinarian’s contact information, and a phone number where you can be reached while out of town. The boarding facility or pet-sitter should request all this information from you before taking responsibility for your pets.
At Petplan, your pet’s health and well-being is our top priority. That’s why we recommend taking your time to find the right boarding or pet-sitter match for your pet’s needs. This way, you can rest assured that your pets are safe and happy until you’re together again… at last.
twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. 
Now that you have hired the right pet sitter to tend to your furry companion while you are away. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure your pet sitter can adequately perform their duties to keep your home & pet safe. So, to help we have compiled a to-do list.
1. Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.
2. Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
3. Place current identification tags on your pet's collar.
4. Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
5. Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
6. Leave everything needed for the care of your pet in one, visible area so the sitter doesn't have to search for leashes, food cans, toys, medicine & vaccination records.
7. Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than planned.
8. Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
9. Notify neighbors that a pet sitter will be visiting your house while you are away so they don't worry when a strange person shows up at your house.
10. Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.
11. Buy extra food and litter to keep on hand in case you are gone longer than planned.
12. Clean up dirty dishes before you leave and remove food from the kitchen which may spoil.
13. Put away items or chemicals harmful to pets.
14. Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable (heat or air conditioning) for your pets during your absence.
15. Lock outside gates, swimming pool area, doors & windows.
16. Make sure your pet is safely inside before you leave. Its amazing how many owners forget when they are in a hurry to get on the road or to the airport.
17. Leave Emergency number list on fridge. The list should include your whereabouts, vet's, plumbers, electricians, pool maintenance, friends & family to contact.
18. Leave a detailed list of your pets daily routine, diet, medications, hide & seek areas and rooms that off limits for your pet to roam free.
19. Remember to inform your pet sitter ASAP if there are any changes in your travel plans.
20. Leave a most recent photo your pet just in case your dog or cat tries to become an escape artist and succeeds.
Last minute travel plans can be stressful enough, but finding some one to tend to your pet can add another level of stress. Unable to find a neighbor, family member or friend to take care of furry loved one and you don't like boarding your pet. Well, a pet sitter is a good option. So, what are the benefits to hiring a pet sitter?
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1. Are you bonded & insured? Hire a pet sitter that is bonded and insured. The bonding covers theft of property while under a pet sitter’s care and the insurance covers pet and home liability.
2. Call & Interview! Once you have found pet sitters in your area the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone. Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles, or veterinary experience. Ask how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire about whether they charge extra during the holidays. Make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person.
3. Meet them in Person! Professional pet sitters always want to meet & greet you and your pet at your home prior to booking. This is important part of the step because it allows you to see how the pet sitter will interact with your pet and you can evaluate them in person. Remember pets are a good judge of character and will let you know if they are not comfortable. You can then explain your pets daily routine. You can tell a lot from someone body language and whether or not they are interested in what you are telling them and if they are taking notes or asking questions. If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer periods.
4. Voice your pets special needs. Make sure to tell the pet sitter about any special needs you pet may have, such as medications, illnesses or conditions or special dietary needs.
5. Sign on the dotted line! Many pet sitters will have a contract for you to sign. But look it over carefully and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. If you are hesitant you can always sleep on it and get back to the pet sitter the next day. Make sure you understand their rate schedule, how many visits you can expect during your absence, and what provisions they have in place in case of an emergency with your pet.
If you & your pet love what you hear & see then make sure you give the pet sitter your phone number to where you will be, your veterinarian’s name and phone number, and the name of a friend or family member who could also help during an emergency.
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